How did it get its craggy shape?
The answer will be speculative – but likely true.
At least two hundred years ago, another tree grew just
to the east (left in this photo) of this tree. That tree (now gone) became a big old monster, and
the Z tree was shaped by its shadow. As that long-gone oak grew and spread, the younger Z tree began bending to the west, to get at least the afternoon sun.
Then something dramatic happened – at just about the time when
the second big branch was forming. The big tree died, or was blown
over, or got chopped down.
At that point, huge light was available to the east,
and a new trunk-like branch headed straight left to soak it up.
Great job, tree! Some of the history of an ancient tree can be openly revealed in its architecture. There’s something righteous and moving in how the struggle,
determination, and triumph of this bur oak was thus preserved.
This tree of noble character will be replaced by others, as its acorns find places in the sun. For now it's available for all to appreciate, on a little glacial rise near the beginning of the
Outer Loop trail, in the southeast corner of Somme Prairie Grove.
4 comments:
If I would dare to make a list of my favorite Midwest trees, bur oak is at the top. They have long lives and each one is interesting in its own way.
There must not have been evidence of the older one next to 'Z' oak, or you would have mentioned it.
I do some work on a nature preserve. Every time I go there I walk past two old maple trees with one or two large horizontal branches. Their shape indicates they became old long ago without competition for light. Wish I could communicate that in a poem.
Daniel, many people would agree with your admiration for the bur oak. I certainly do.
You're right, I saw no other evidence of the previous shading tree. It probably died, fell and rotted gloriously back into the soil decades ago. And yet the evidence was there - in the shape of the "Z" oak.
Poem or not, you communicate very well. Thanks.
Is the "Z" tree going to face any challenges due to its less than straight growth? Will the uneven weight distribution of the trunk be an issue?
Will the "Z" tree face challenges? Perhaps it's less stable because of its creative shape. But oddly-shaped bur oaks have lived for hundreds of years in spite (or because?) of those challenging shapes.
Post a Comment